WARZALA WRITING HER NEXT CHAPTER
By Ty Bartell
WARREN OH- The sport of softball has been known to make the dreams of so many student athletes come true, with multiple students getting to have their storybook ending. Whether that is winning state, regionals, districts or even conference. Maybe the dream is breaking a record or hitting a milestone. Maybe the dream is to get a win on senior night and have that last home game to celebrate with your friends. We have all heard and cheered for these endings for student athletes. But what about the ones who do not get the opportunity to have the pen and write their own ending?
Senior catcher for The Champion Flashes, Addie Warzala is dealing with that difficulty this season. After a knee injury this past basketball season has put her out of action for the entire softball year, it was devastating. As one of the best catchers in the entire state of Ohio, Warzala would have to have a different role this year as a leader in the dugout rather than the field. “It really opened my eyes to see that you can still be part of a team, even on the sidelines, with knowledge and just helping these young players on our team grow.” Warzala said.
That knowledge is more than valuable, it is priceless, as Warzala has been in the big moments for her team as has delivered time and time again. One moment, in particular, that really stands out was her walk off winner against Keystone that sent The Flashes to the regional final a couple seasons ago.
Now on the road to recovery, Warzala is taking the process one day at a time “I started off small, just getting my range of motion back. Now I’m working on strength in my quad—just getting my leg back to where it was.” Warzala said.
As she focuses on her recovery, Warzala is also looking to be that voice of reason in the dugout, as she has alway been, but looking to be that mentor forthe incoming freshman is what she is most excited about. “Seeing what these girls can bring and watching these freshmen grow into the players we know they can be.” Warzala said.
Though the high school ending is not ideal, Warzala will hang her hat on knowing she is one of only 7% of student athletes to make it to the collegiate level, with the next four years set after making her commitment to Slippery Rock University this past year! “Slippery Rock just felt like a family. The coaches played there, and now they coach there, it says a lot when people love a place enough to come back.” Warzala Said. This chapter may not have had a storybook ending for Warzala, but she holds the pen to write a brand new beginning!
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